trailer DODGE SPRINTER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

140 STARTING AND OPERATING

Deactivating the Acceleration Skid
Control (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Brake Assist System (BAS)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Indicator Lamp Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) (type 2500 vehicles only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
(vehicle type 2500 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171


Auxiliary Drive (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172


Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173


Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Tire Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175


Tire Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Tire Pressures of Loaded Vehicle in PSI (kPa) . . . 177
Vehicle type 2500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Vehicle type 3500 C/HC/SHC . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 178
Comfort Tire Pressures in PSI (kPa) . . . . . . . . 178


Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179


Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Diesel Fuels for Use at Very Low
Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180


Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182


Programmed Top Speed (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 182


Bleeding Diesel Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183


Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator . . . . . 184
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel Syst em . . . . . . . . . . . 185


Permissible Roof Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186


Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Trailer Hitches (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Electrical Connections (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle and Trailer Weights and Ratings . . . . 187
Loading a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Checking Weights of Vehicle and Trailer . . . . 188
Attaching a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Parking a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191


Emissions Control System (Catalytic Converter) 192


Inhalation of Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192


Fording (Wading Capability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192


Body Builder Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
A Special Note Concerning Vehicle
Alteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

STARTING AND OPERATING 151
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The system is operational if after reverse gear is
engaged:
 an acknowledgement tone sounds
 the multi-function indicator shows the distance to an obstacle that has been detected.
WARNING!
The reversing aid is feature designed to provide as-
sistance and may not detect all obstacles. The sys-
tem is not a replacement for your own diligence.
The reversing aid does not detect people and/or
objects within a range of approximately 12 in (30
cm). There is a possibility that certain objects
which could come into contact with the vehicle at
the rear will not be detected by the system’s
sensors. This could cause an accident resulting in
severe personal injuries, death and property
damage.
For this reason, you should make sure before
manuevring that no people or animals are in the
maneuvring range of the vehicle.
Pay particular attention to people and/or objects
above or below sensors when parking, such as
small children, toddlers, flower pots or trailer
towbars.
You are always responsible for safety at all times
and must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when manoeuvring. A
second person should assist you in manouevring if
necessary.

186 STARTING AND OPERATINGPERMISSIBLE ROOF LOADThe maximum permissible roof load is:
 Vehicles with low roof 660 lbs (300 kg)
 Vehicles with high roof 330 lbs (150 kg)
 The weight of any load carried on the roof, including the roof rack, must not exceed the
maximum permissible roof load.TRAILER TOWING Trailer Hitches (Optional)
Only install a trailer hitch
receiver approved for your
vehicle. For information on availability and
installation, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not designed for use
with clamp-type hitches. Do not attach rental hitches
or other bumper-type hitches to them.
To reduce the possibility of damage, remove the hitch
ball adaptor from the receiver when not in use.Electrical Connections (Optional)The Sprinter is available with a variety of pre-installed
conditions (lines and turn signal indicator and brake
module installed and / or not installed). Make sure that
the correct trailer hitch receiver kit is used. For further
information, please see your authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
In order to prevent possible damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system by incorrectly installing the trailer
wiring plug, we recommend having the harness
connected at an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
WARNING!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving tech-
nique can result in a loss of vehicle control when
towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions contained in this guide can result in
serious injury. Follow the guidelines below
carefully to assure safe trailer operation.
Ask your authorized Sprinter Dealer, if you
require an explanation of information contained
in this guide.

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Vehicle and Trailer Weights and RatingsGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum
permissible vehicle weight: 8,550 lbs (3,878 kgs),
9,990 lbs (4,531 kgs) or 10,200 lbs (4,627 kgs).
NOTE: The weight of your Sprinter is indicated on the
type plate. For type plate, see Identification Labels.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): comprises weight of
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
permissible axle weight: Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum
permissible trailer weight to be towed:
5,000 lbs. (2,260 kgs)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the maximum
permissible weight of the trailer tongue:
500 lbs. (225 kgs) limit for Sprinter approved hitch
receiver.
Loading a TrailerWhen loading a trailer, you should observe that
neither the permissible GTW, nor the GVWR are
exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed on the safety
compliance certification labels for the vehicle and for
the trailer to be towed. The lowest value listed must be
selected when determining how the vehicle and trailer
are loaded.
We recommend loading the trailer in such a manner
that it has a tongue weight (TW) between 10% and 15%
of the GTW.
The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be added to
the GVW to prevent exceeding your Sprinter tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.
Type GVWR GAWR (FA) GAWR (RA)
2500
C/HC / SHC 8,550 lbs
3,878 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 5,360 lbs
(2,431 kgs)
3500
C/HC / SHC 9,990 lbs
4,531 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)
10,200 lbs 4,627 kgs 3,860 lbs
(1,751 kgs) 7,060 lbs
(3,202 kgs)

188 STARTING AND OPERATINGChecking Weights of Vehicle and TrailerTo assure that the tow vehicle and trailer are in
compliance with the maximum permissible weight
limits, and to know the actual weights, have the loaded
vehicle-trailer combination (tow vehicle including
driver, passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
Check the vehicle’s front and rear Gross Axle Weight
(GAW), the GTW and TW. The values as measured
must not be exceeded, according to the weight listed
under “Vehicle and trailer weight and ratings”.Attaching a TrailerPlease observe maximum permitted trailer dimensions
(width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces require safety
chains between your tow vehicle and the trailer. The
chains should be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch receiver, and not to
the vehicle’s bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning corners.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
separate brake system at various trailer weights.
WARNING!
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if trailer is
so equipped) directly to the vehicle’s hydraulic
brake system as your vehicle is equipped with an-
tilock brakes. If you do, neither the vehicle’s
brakes nor the trailer’s brakes will function prop-
erly. This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or others.
The provided vehicle electrical wiring harness for
trailer towing has a brake signal wire for hook-up
to a brake controller.
Most states and all Canadian provinces require a
break-away switch on trailers with a separate
brake system. The switch activates the trailer
brakes in the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
You should consider using a trailer sway control
system. For further information see your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.

STARTING AND OPERATING 189
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Towing a TrailerThere are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailer towing. Make
sure that your vehicle-trailer combination will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for where you
will be driving. A good source for this information can
be the police or local authorities.
Before you start driving with the trailer, check the
trailer hitch, break-away switch, safety chains,
electrical connections, lighting and tires. Also adjust
the mirrors to permit unobstructed view beyond rear
of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and
trailer moving slowly, and then apply only the trailer
brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working properly.
When towing a trailer, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that lighting and trailer
brakes (if so equipped) are functioning properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shifts
while driving. Take into consideration that when towing a trailer, the
handling characteristics are different and less stable
from those when operating the vehicle without a
trailer. It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers. The
vehicle and trailer combination is heavier, and
therefore is limited in acceleration and climbing ability,
and requires longer stopping distances. It is more
p r o n e t o r e a c t i n g t o s i d e w i n d g u s t s , a n d r e q u i r es m o r e
sensitive steering input.
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping
and backing up in an area which is free from traffic.If possible, do not brake abruptly, but rather engage
the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate
its brake. Then increase the braking force.

190 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Take into consideration that when towing a trail-
er, the handling characteristics are different and
less stable from those when operating the vehicle
without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Sudden maneuvers may lead to loss of control
over the vehicle-trailer combination. This could
cause an accident resulting in property damage or
injury to you or others.
CAUTION!
If the transmission hunts between gears on
inclines, manually shift to a lower gear (select
"4",
"3", "2" or
"1"). A lower gear and reduction of
speed reduces the chance of engine overloading
and / or overheating.
When going down a long hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine’s braking effect. Avoid
riding the brakes, thus overheating the vehicle
and trailer brakes.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature (coolant temperature needle
approaching the red zone) when the air
conditioner is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the climate
control fan speed to high and setting the
temperature control to the maximum hot position.

STARTING AND OPERATING 191
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Parking a Trailer
CAUTION!
Extreme care must be exercised since your vehicle
with a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without a
trailer. Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need to go
much farther ahead of the passed vehicle before
you can return to your lane.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or damage to
the vehicle powertrain, as a result of vehicle/trail-
er movement, always:
Keep right foot on brake pedal.
Shift gear selector lever to position
"N".
Have a second person place wheel chocks on
downhill side of left and right trailer wheels.
Slowly release brake pedal and let vehicle and
trailer roll into chocks until stopped.
Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
Move gear selector lever to position
"P".
On inclines turn front wheels towards the road
curb.

268 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCOPE OF WORK FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil ServiceOil change
Engine:
Oil change and filter replacement
Check fluid levels of the following system, refill as
necessary.
If fluid is lost, trace and eliminate cause – as a separate
order.
Power-assisted steering
Lubrication work:
Trailer tow hitch (original equipment)
Maintenance
ASSYST maintenance computer reset Function check
Signalling system,
warning and indicator lamps
Headlamps, exterior lighting
Windscreen wipers,
windscreen washer system
Check for leaks and damage.
Check for abrasion points and ensure that
lines are correctly routed!
All assemblies:
Engine, transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear
axle, steering, power steering pump
All lines and hoses, sensor cables
Rubber boots on front axle drive shafts,
rubber boots on front axle suspension ball joints, shock
absorbers

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Check fluid levels for the following systems, correct
as necessary.
Should there be a loss of fluid which cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate
the cause.
Engine cooling system
Check corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze,
refill as necessary.
Hydraulic brake system
Battery
Windscreen washer system
Engine
Fuel filter renewal
Air cleaner with maintenance indicator:
Check degree of contamination.
Air cleaner filter element renewed as
necessary. Chassis and body
Trailer coupling:
Check operation, play and retaining fixtures
Secondary rubber springs:
Visual check
Tire pressures:
Correct as necessary, including spare tyre
Check thickness of brake pads
Brake test
Check condition of brake disks. Brake disks renewal as
necessary
– as a separate order
Check condition of steering mechanism
Heating/ventilation dust filter renewal